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Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) provide an invaluable service to Canadian children and their families and to the future of our country. These dedicated workers help shape our children’s social, physical, emotional and cognitive development.

Unfortunately, these dedicated workers are subject to low wages, high levels of job insecurity, limited career opportunities and lack of recognition. For example, the earned income for an ECE is half of the national average. They are exposed to physically demanding work, poor physical environments, infectious diseases and stress.

The National Union has and will continue to advocate to ensure that ECEs are properly compensated and recognized for the work they perform.

News on Early Childhood Educators

The current regulations were brought in following a number of heartbreaking tragedies, such as the death of 2-year-old Eva Ravikovich, who died in 2013 after being left in an SUV for hours on a hot summer day.

"This is a growing sector in the union, and the more members we get, the greater strength we have when it comes to achieving better wages and safer working conditions for everyone.” — Kelly Martin, Chair, OPSEU Boards of Education and Cultural Institutions sector

"These new locals have recognized that joining our union provides them with a stronger voice in their workplace, and that the MGEU/NUPGE has the experience and expertise to ensure their concerns are addressed. Welcome to our 3 newest locals.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

"We know it will take time to restore proper service levels to British Columbians. We will support the government as they continue to do the right thing to make British Columbia a more affordable, equitable and healthy society for everyone, not just the one percent." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President.

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is joining with communities and organizations across Ontario in recognizing the valuable contributions made by child care workers and early childhood educators (ECEs) in building strong and supported children, families and communities.

"Canada must act to address the historical wrongs that have been perpetrated against Indigenous people. Furthermore, we must act to stop the continued discrimination that exists." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President